Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st June 2017 in Worcester.
Another sunny day dawned. Ray and Helen from nb. "Bigger Decisions" came on board for a coffee before they set off for Tewkesbury further down the Severn. Their plan is to go up the Avon to Stratford. It was so good to have met them and we hope to stay in touch.
A group of young canoeists waved cheerfully as they passed, obviously enjoying their trip on the river.
At about midday, we set off ourselves for the junction of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the Severn. On the way, we passed a large colony of mainly adolescent swans - count them if you can!
The Cathedral makes a marvellous sight as it overlooks the river.
A small trip boat makes regular trips up and down the river; there are also larger vessels that ply the waters from here down to Gloucester.
Just south of the Cathedral is the junction where we turned left into the first of two wide locks that take the canal up to Diglis Basin.
The junction is marked by a finger post - only 30 miles to Birmingham - but 58 locks!
After the first two wide locks, the remaining 56 locks are narrow, which are much easier. We like narrow locks; they are quicker to fill and empty, the gates are not so heavy and it is easier to keep control of the boat. The 56 include the "Tardebigge" flight, the longest continuous flight of locks in the country - 30 locks in two-and-a-quarter miles. Should be fun...
Historic Diglis Basin is at the top of the two wide locks and it is now a small but attractive and popular marina.
Soon after, we passed the famous "Commandery", which was the Royalist Headquarters during the deciding Battle of Worcester in the English Civil War in 1651.
The site of the battle is commemorated by pikes and helmets mounted on the bridge over the canal, which is located on the site of the original eastern gate to the city next to the Commandery.
Just two narrow locks (hooray!) before we moored up for the night within striking distance of Worcester Marina, where we shall leave MM for a few nights as we have to go home for various family commitments.
On Wednesday morning, we made an early start up to the marina. The turn in is challenging as you have to go beyond the entrance, turn around and then squeeze back round to get through the narrow bridge hole.
As ever, with patience, and just a little help from R, MM managed it impeccably. (note from M - it was actually all down to the skill of the Skipper!).
We moored here for a night three years ago and the staff at the marina were as helpful as ever, so we were soon moored up and ready for the short walk to Worcester railway station and the trip home.
Two Days: 2 miles, 4 locks and 5.8 hours.
Trip: 69 miles, 51 locks and 55.6 hours.
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